“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” – Joan Collins

Is it just me who felt the comforting embrace of Strictly’s return to our screens at the weekend, or was the warm tingly feeling I enjoyed more down to the fabulous wines I sampled over the weekend?

Yes, that is me coming out of the closet as a committed fan of the sequins and glamour by the way!

As for wine, I learned a long time ago that the best experiences needn’t cost the earth, but over the weekend, I pondered what it is that really makes some fine wines affordable and sends others into the dizzy heights only reached by footballers and hedge fund managers?

It’s not that easy to answer if you just do a direct comparison of the pleasure as measured by your palate, so I guess the proven track record of the big hitters on the auction markets and their equally proven ability to age well and hence to be sold and resold so many times plays a major part.

The problem with treating wines like stocks and shares is that the price tends to soar and my well honed palate has a common sense filter when it comes to price!

I tend to be able to enjoy a guilt free experience with wine up to £90 quid or so for exceptional wines at Christmas and up to £40 during the rest of the year, but even if I won the lottery, I fear I would have to bash my head with a baseball bat before I could waste thousands on a first growth wine to partner Strictly with.

I’ve had some incredible wine experiences over the years and the heights include all the top wines and ports of the world including the legendary Quinta do Noval Nacional Port which costs gazillions of pounds per bottle, yet my ultimate port experience was one I bought myself for £180.

That one was a tawny from the same port house made in 1937 and thoroughly enjoyed by me in 2003.

I’ve tasted one of the top Burgundies in the world with a five figure price tag but had more enjoyment for my palate from home made treacle toffee and I’ve come to realise that when someone asks me what my favourite wine is, the answer will always be from the range of wines I can afford myself.

I guess that’s what a common sense filter does for you, just make sure yours is not set too low to really enjoy life!

Here’s a couple of ‘fine’ but affordable Malbecs from Argentina to practice on until next week when we will take a wee sip of Tawny Port in advance of the Christmas Market. Pip pip

Joffre Premium Malbec, Argentina

Malbecs can often be restrained on the nose but this stunning wine is more outgoing than most politicians.

Rich Autumn fruits with hints of chocolate and soft tannins that make it a fabulous partner for rich cheese or steak dishes.

Peter Watts Wines £23.50

Viñalba Gran Reservado Malbec 2014 Mendoza

A big unrestrained wine with stewed plums, blackcurrant fruits and hints of vanilla on the finish.

Great with rich game dishes or a hearty stew.

Majestic Wines £16.99

Gerard Richardson MBE

Drinks columnist